Mizzou wrestling coach Smith confident about Big 12 championship

The No. 9 Missouri wrestling team has the chance on Saturday to do something the program has never done before: win a Big 12 title. Standing in its way are Iowa State, No. 13 Oklahoma and No. 3 Oklahoma State, which has won the past two Big 12 titles. The four squads will take to the mats at the Hearnes Center. It is the first time Missouri has hosted the Big 12 Championship since 2007.

Brian Smith, who is in his 13th season as Missouri head coach, spoke Wednesday about his team’s accomplishments this season, as well as its mindset and what he expects this weekend.

1. What mindset are you trying to instill heading into the weekend? (Length: 59 seconds)
2. What does it mean to be at home for the Big 12 Championship? (Length: 36 seconds)
3. Are you happy with where the team is at heading into this weekend? (Length: 37 seconds)
4. What exactly is a “Mock Big 12?” (Length: 27 seconds)
5. Talk about the balance of youth and experience on this team. (Length: 47 seconds)
6. Outside of Brent Haynes and Alan Waters, who do you see as a contender or favorite in their weight class? (Length: 42 seconds)

The tournament runs all day Saturday at the Hearnes Center at MU. Here is the schedule: